James Joseph Lukas

James Joseph Lukas, 84, passed away in his home on Feb. 1, 2026 after a stroke having complications from long covid.

Jim was born on Aug. 27, 1941 in Grand Rapids, MI to Joseph and Agnes (Petrila) Lukas. After graduating from Catholic Central High School he was drafted into the Army in 1965 where he specialized in electronics and cryptographic operations before being honorably discharged in 1972. He went into the skilled trades and became a Master Electrician.

James met Norma Umlor while he was working as an electrician at Bissell and they married in 1969. They had one son, Michael James in 1973.

He started his own business, Lukas Electric before getting a lifetime job at General Motors/ Delphi in Coopersville. His worked at the GM plant from the day it opened in 1980 until the day it closed in 2007, which he then retired. Some of his favorite memories after he retired was traveling all over the USA. He enjoyed having his electrical luncheon once a month with his old coworkers and breakfast every Friday at different dinners across Michigan.

For anyone who knew Jim, he was known for his many hobbies. His love for the outdoors was evident by all of his photos he took while being an avid photographer. He won many awards for his photos and enjoyed traveling to places like Alaska, Florida Keys and British Columbia. When he wasn’t taking pictures, he loved to fish. His favorite was fishing for northern pike up at Drummond Island, walleye in Canada, and tarpon in the Keys. He also had a love for shooting shot guns. He was a certified shooting instructor and loved to teach his son and grandson how to shoot clays. He was an avid hunter as well.

Jim could have opened his own library. He loved to read, especially Readers Digest, and enjoyed learning new things. He would study and research anything and everything.

He was a loving father and grandfather. He was predeceased by his father, Joseph, his mother, Agnes and his sister, Judith.

James is survived by his son, Michael (Kristi) Lukas of Spring Lake, MI. Grandchildren, Kyle (16) and Sierra (14) Lukas. He also wanted to thank his best friend, Dan Willet for all their memories they have created over the years and for being there for him when he needed it.

There will be a celebration of his life held at The American Dunes CAVU Squadron Bar in Grand Haven, 17000 Lincoln St. Grand Haven, MI 49417 on February 18th from 6-7pm. Come share you favorite memories. Condolences for the family may be left on James’s guestbook at www.throopfh.com.

Throop Funeral Home

Coopersville, 616-837-8161